IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the news? The Philippines’ mandatory annual reporting period for foreign nationals opened Jan. 1 and will close Feb. 28.

What does it mean? All foreign nationals holding immigrant and non-immigrant visas as well as an alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-card) must complete the annual reporting requirement within the first 60 days of each calendar year.

  • Implementation: Jan. 1 to Feb. 28.
  • Visas/permits affected: 9G visas, 13A visas and ACR I-cards.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals with one of the above visas who hold an ACR I-card.
  • Business impact: Those who fail to complete annual reporting during the prescribed period could face penalties, including a fine of 200 pesos for each month of delay.

Next steps: All ACR I-card holders should plan to register in person during the reporting period or have an authorized third party complete the annual reporting on their behalf.

Additional information: Foreign nationals who hold an ACR I-card are required to report annually to the appropriate Bureau of Immigration office during the first two months of the year, and must provide their original ACR I-card, valid passport, and pay the annual reporting fee. Because Feb. 29 is a Saturday, this requirement must be fulfilled no later than Feb. 28. Those who have permission to send a third party to complete registration on their behalf must provide the above documentation as well as a notarized special power of attorney, and the third party must show a government-issued ID.

Analysis and Comments: Foreign nationals are encouraged to complete registration procedures as early as possible to avoid the rush before the deadline.

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